And in they came looking for food. Searching for leafy greens and tender twigs, among my rose bushes and the Preacher’s potted plants… twenty goats found a feast.

After dining on summer’s remaining rose petals, full bushes of leaves, I am left with stalks, nubs, thorns, a few stray leaves dangling higher than their hungry mouths could reach.

Situated in these golden hills of Central California, parched from lack of rain, critters come inquiring. For moisture, sustenance, anything to nourish.

Evidence of the drought is seen in native oaks, leaves already burnished though it’s only July—the Creator’s way of conserving water when resources are limited.

An occasional cow strays from the group, exploring her mealtime options, in search of greener grass. Un-invited wild turkeys nibble our tomatoes. Tree frogs hang out at the reservoir of the evaporative cooler, or hide in pots of moist dirt, shaded by healthy miniature trees growing within the confines.

On a mere three-quarter acre we keep a small section of front lawn watered during the summer. An oasis this time of year with carpet and canopy of green… a literal feast for any beast, two-legged, four-legged, large or small, with tail swishing, willing to risk the wrath of manwoman.

O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup… – Psalm 16:5

The Father’s table is prepared. A lush spread provided since the Garden, since the first touch of God’s finger on the pendulum of time—beginning the record, the keeping of the chronicles of the ages, recording the centuries of moments ticking toward eternity—since Eden’s banquet was pronounced Good.

God has always provided. And continues to provide, all that is healthy, life-sustaining, refreshing, for body and soul.

Creation and Calvary ring with God’s Welcome.

O taste and see that theLordis good: blessed is the man that trusts in him. O fear the Lord, you his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. – Psalm 34:8-10

His hands prepared, His arms are spread, His nod says, Come. Eat. Dine on My Goodness till you can hold no more. Then come again. And again.

A feast of all that is good awaits those who inquire, we who respond to His invitation. Why seek to fill our hunger with things that do not satisfy? When all He has to give is only Good.